Coachella 2023 officially kicks off this weekend (April 14 – 16), boasting one of the music festival’s most diverse line-ups since its inception back in 1999. From K-pop headliners to underground rap stars, no genre has gone untapped this year, and we were there to listen to it all.
Worried that you’re missing out on the fun? We’ve got you covered with photographer Jenn Five who’s grabbing all the live-action, behind-the-scenes happenings and exclusive backstage moments for NME. Welcome back to the desert. Here’s your all-access to Coachella 2023.
Ashnikko’s out-of-this-world set
Ashnikko brought raw energy, dynamic dancer-backed choreography and an alien planet stage set up to Coachella Friday (April 16). Fans at the Gobi tent sang along to every word, even her latest single ‘Worms’, a sneak peek of her upcoming album ‘WEEDKILLER’.
Yungblud turns Coachella into a punk playground
By the time Yungblud started playing his hit track ‘Tissues’ on Friday (April 14) for his set on the Outdoor stage, Coachella was already warmed up and eager to dance along to the track.
Blondie gives us timeless hits
Not only did Blondie perform some of her well-known hits, but she brought out Nile Rodgers onstage for two songs: their 1980 hit ‘Rapture’, and Deborah Harry’s 1981 solo track ‘Backfired’ and fans were obsessed.
Wet Leg pirouettes in the desert
Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers of Wet Leg were all smiles during their Coachella festival performance. Spinning, giggling and performing some of their behemoth hits like ‘Chaise Lounge’, the duo not only delighted festivalgoers but seemed genuinely thrilled to be playing the massive fest.
Blink-182 joyously reuniting in the desert
Blink-182 performed for the first time with their original line-up on Friday (April 14), with Tom DeLonge joining Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus as a trio for the first time since 2014, delivering 50 minutes of seminal pop-punk hits.
Bad Bunny making Coachella history
Bad Bunny made history Friday night (April 14) as the first Latin and Spanish-Language artists to headline Coachella. He highlighted his culture, gave fans a video journey through the history of reggaeton, brought out Post Malone and kept the energy high all night thanks to a set full over of over-the-top visuals and fireworks.
boygenius
Boygenius brought their debut album, ‘The Record’ to the festival’s Outdoor stage, singing hits like ‘Not Strong Enough’ and ‘$20’ for fans. The band also took the time to call out anti-trans legislation, with Lucy Dacus sharing, “I don’t know if you’ve been checking the news and seeing what’s been going on in Florida and Missouri and some of the other places, but trans lives matter, trans kids matter. We’re going to fight it and we’re going to win.”
Ethel Cain
Ethel Cain brought her haunting indie pop tracks to Coachella, and fans were so eager to hear tracks from ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ live that a line of fans waited outside of the Sonora tent in hopes of getting in, multiple songs into the set.
Becky G
Becky G was a special guest for Karol G’s 2022 Coachella set, so she was already prepared for the audience’s expectations and more than met them with her electric set. Becky also brought out multiple special guest, including Jesus Ortiz Paz and Marca MP to sing her track, ‘Yo Acabo’.
Sofi Tukker
Sofi Tukker pulled in a huge crowd excited to dance along to their hits, ‘Best Friend’ and ‘Purple Hat’. The duo also played their remix to the White Lotus theme song, which, judging by everyone humming it all weekend, couldn’t get out of anyone’s head.
The Kid LAROI
The Kid Laroi gave multiple shoutouts during his Coachella set, including one to his ‘Stay’ collaborator Justin Bieber, who didn’t join him on stage but was watching from the audience during his performance. He also took time to shoutout late rappers Juice WRLD and Saiko.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie kept the crowd hype during his Coachella performance, running across the stage as the audience sang the words ‘Look Back At It’ along with him.
Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis took the tradition of bringing out special guest at Coachella very seriously during her set. For her song ‘See You Again’, Tyler, The Creator joined her on stage. Next Omar Apollo to give their collab ‘Worth The Wait’ its live debut. Last but not least, Don Toliver joined Uchis on stage to perform ‘Fantasy’, rounding out the star-filled set.
Willow
Willow promised the crowd it was going to get “emo” and it did. The singer drew a massive crowd to the Mojave tent who sang along to every word when she played tracks like ‘Meet Me At Our Spot’ and ‘Hover Like A Goddess’.
Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike took his Coachella performance as an opportunity to perform his new single, ‘Dancing In The Courthouse’ and share a new track fans are calling ‘Mama’s Boy’ thanks to the repetition of the phrase in the song’s refrain.
Check back at NME all weekend for more reviews, news, interviews, photos and more from Coachella 2023.